Compare Elavil vs. Propranolol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Elavil (amitriptyline)

Prescription only

Inderal (Propranolol)

Prescription only
Improves mood.

Elavil (amitriptyline) regulates mood and treats nerve pain, but has more side effects than alternatives.

●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 134 reviewsforElavil
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.

Inderal (Propranolol) is good for treating many heart problems and other problems in the body, but it has more side effects than other beta blockers. You can't miss doses.

●●●●●
3.9/ 5 average rating with 61 reviewsforPropranolol
Upsides
  • Elavil (amitriptyline) works well to treat nerve pain and is non-habit forming.
  • A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina).
  • A first-choice treatment for heart failure, heart attack, heart valve disorders, and abnormal heart rhythm.
  • Also treats and prevents many non-heart problems, such as tremors, anxiety, migraines, and liver disease symptoms.
Downsides
  • Elavil (amitriptyline) has more bothersome side effects than other antidepressants.
  • Taking a beta blocker might make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but for some might not go away.
  • Has more side effects than some beta blockers because it crosses into the brain and central nervous system.
  • Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure according to the latest guidelines, except if you have heart failure or heart disease. As a second choice, your doctor might add it to medicines you're already taking if your blood pressure is still too high.
  • Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.
  • You can't miss doses. Stopping Propranolol suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
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Lowest price
$23.00
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Reviews
134 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
25%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Elavil (amitriptyline)?

Leave a review
61 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
62%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Inderal (Propranolol)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Elavil (amitriptyline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
3possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Constipation
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Mania
    • History of bipolar disorder
    • At risk for bipolar disorder
  • Heart problems
    • History of cardiovascular disease
  • Dizziness and falls
    • Age 65 years or older
    • Taking medicines to control blood pressure
  • Dehydration
    • Age 65 years or older
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Increased chest pain or risk of heart attack
    • Suddenly stopping Inderal (Propranolol)
  • Heart failure
  • Increased risks during surgery
    • Major surgery requiring anesthesia
  • Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
    • Diabetes
  • Masked symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Low blood pressure
    • Concurrent use of non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, digoxin or clonidine
  • Serious skin reactions
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Elavil (amitriptyline)
Learn more about Inderal (Propranolol)